How bad is LAX?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Programs: AC *E/PC Gold /BW Diamond/Hertz Gold Plus/SPG Gold/Marriot Silver/ TUMI Alpha
Posts: 1,470
How bad is LAX?
Yes it's me again.
Yes we're planning on another Southern Cali adventure this summer.
So gotten some decent Air Canada fares right now from YEG to LAX.
So my question: how bad is LAX? I've heard horror stories, and with two kids (1 and soon to be 6), I don't want to put undue stress on the whole travel bit.
I'd want to rent a vehicle to. LAX a good choice?
Yes we're planning on another Southern Cali adventure this summer.
So gotten some decent Air Canada fares right now from YEG to LAX.
So my question: how bad is LAX? I've heard horror stories, and with two kids (1 and soon to be 6), I don't want to put undue stress on the whole travel bit.
I'd want to rent a vehicle to. LAX a good choice?
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Programs: AC *E/PC Gold /BW Diamond/Hertz Gold Plus/SPG Gold/Marriot Silver/ TUMI Alpha
Posts: 1,470
#4
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Texas
Programs: UA 1K, UA MM, Hilton Gold, SPG lifetime Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Maker's Mark Ambassador
Posts: 158
Yes it's me again.
Yes we're planning on another Southern Cali adventure this summer.
So gotten some decent Air Canada fares right now from YEG to LAX.
So my question: how bad is LAX? I've heard horror stories, and with two kids (1 and soon to be 6), I don't want to put undue stress on the whole travel bit.
I'd want to rent a vehicle to. LAX a good choice?
Yes we're planning on another Southern Cali adventure this summer.
So gotten some decent Air Canada fares right now from YEG to LAX.
So my question: how bad is LAX? I've heard horror stories, and with two kids (1 and soon to be 6), I don't want to put undue stress on the whole travel bit.
I'd want to rent a vehicle to. LAX a good choice?
#7
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AS MVP, PriorityPass, Global Entry
Posts: 748
I fly out of LAX exclusively (my parents live 2 miles from LAX, and the fares are almost always cheaper than flying out of one of the other airports, especially not by a difference to make up a difference in transportation cost to the airport).
As a destination/origination airport, it's not that bad. It's not the best, but it generally does fine. You need to leave some additional time for security and getting to/from the airport. All rental cars require a shuttle to an off-site facility, so it takes longer, but it generally works.
Most of the complaints I see are making connections at LAX (especially if it involves leaving security and re-entering), and a relatively lack of food options. Also sometimes about the "look" of the airport (areas that look old and dirty). In general (at least in the domestic terminals, I can't speak for TBIT), it is reasonably well kept, and generally runs just fine.
As a destination/origination airport, it's not that bad. It's not the best, but it generally does fine. You need to leave some additional time for security and getting to/from the airport. All rental cars require a shuttle to an off-site facility, so it takes longer, but it generally works.
Most of the complaints I see are making connections at LAX (especially if it involves leaving security and re-entering), and a relatively lack of food options. Also sometimes about the "look" of the airport (areas that look old and dirty). In general (at least in the domestic terminals, I can't speak for TBIT), it is reasonably well kept, and generally runs just fine.
#8
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, DL, AS, UA, IHG Plat
Posts: 2,407
LAX is great O&D airport. It's horrendous as a transfer/connecting airport.
If your trip begins and ends in LAX, it is one of the best large airport in North America. There is plentiful flights, great frequencies, and most terminals have easy curb side access. Security lines are generally manageable and and despite internet rants, LAX has fairly decent public transit access. (the problem is people in LA don't like to live near rail or bus lines so the blame should start with themselves... anyway, a different topic)
If you are connecting, it is an exercise in anger management. None of the terminals connect, there is no airside bus or tram, in-terminal dining option is pathetic, and some of the VIP lounges are spartan even by Soviet-era East European bus depot standards. There are no free wi-fi (barbaric!!! ) and very little plane spotting opportunity without leaving the secured area.
If your trip begins and ends in LAX, it is one of the best large airport in North America. There is plentiful flights, great frequencies, and most terminals have easy curb side access. Security lines are generally manageable and and despite internet rants, LAX has fairly decent public transit access. (the problem is people in LA don't like to live near rail or bus lines so the blame should start with themselves... anyway, a different topic)
If you are connecting, it is an exercise in anger management. None of the terminals connect, there is no airside bus or tram, in-terminal dining option is pathetic, and some of the VIP lounges are spartan even by Soviet-era East European bus depot standards. There are no free wi-fi (barbaric!!! ) and very little plane spotting opportunity without leaving the secured area.
#10
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AS MVP, PriorityPass, Global Entry
Posts: 748
Also, there is an airside bus connecting 3 & 5 to American Eagle, which is connected to 4, but from what I've heard it's not the most timely method of transfer between 3 & 4 or 5 (but it is allowed to facilitate transfers between Alaska and American or Delta).
There is almost no free wi-fi, most of the premium lounges have free wi-fi (which I know from experience using the Alaska BoardRoom, Delta SkyClub, and the CO President's Club). For the rest, Boingo is a reasonable option, as all of LAX is included in the $10 per month cost.
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
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Great info guys (and girls!?)
Booked YEG-LAX for me, wife,and two little ones for early July.
5TH trip to Cali in 3 years. Can't wait
Booked YEG-LAX for me, wife,and two little ones for early July.
5TH trip to Cali in 3 years. Can't wait
#12
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: based out of LAX
Programs: UA 1K, AA Platinum, Hilton HHonors Diamond, National Executive, Starwood Gold
Posts: 701
You should be fine the air canada terminal is relatively friendly and you won't be fighting the lines at Southwest (T1). Enjoy the trip where are you taking the fam once you are on the ground? I might recommend santa monica it's very close to LAX by LA standards. And there is a beach.
#13
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: LAX
Posts: 6,769
If you've been here to Cali four times already, I'm sure you've stopped by LAX and know what it's like.
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Programs: AC *E/PC Gold /BW Diamond/Hertz Gold Plus/SPG Gold/Marriot Silver/ TUMI Alpha
Posts: 1,470
Sounds like any other large airport. If we can zip thru Pearson in Toronto and Heathrow in London, LAX should be a breeze.
Not sure where we will stay. We have family in Malibu and the valley. Plus we want a couple of days in San Diego. So probably all over the place. Just want to relax for the 11 days we are there (minus 1 day for Indiana Jones at Disney, 1 day for Outlet Shopping)l
#15
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Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
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